Killeen police announced Friday the seizure of more than 6 pounds of the synthetic marijuana compound known as “spice,” which was being sold illegally by the management of a local hotel.

The seizure resulted in the arrest of a married couple who manage the Palace Inn in the 6200 block of East Veterans Memorial Boulevard. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury returned indictments against Richard Lefebvre, 67, and Yong Chong Lefevbre, 64, on two counts each of possession with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoid, a schedule-one substance, court documents stated.

Killeen police, along with the Drug Enforcement Agency, began investigating the Palace Inn last fall after receiving a tip.

Over several months, investigators made several buys of the illegal substance, according to a news release from the Killeen Police Department.

The arrests were part of a nationwide DEA operation known as “Operation Synergy,” which specifically targets dealers of synthetic marijuana. Last month, DEA participated in 18 arrests in San Antonio and Austin for possession of the drug, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Authorities seized 3,086 grams — about 6.8 pounds — of the substance after conducting a search warrant on the Palace Inn on July 2. A package of the substance marked “Diablo” field-tested positive as synthetic marijuana.

Contact Philip Jankowski at philipj@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7553. Follow him on Twitter at KDHcrime.